JICA Strengthens Transport Network by Inaugurating New Section of Delhi Metro’s Pink Line (Line 7)
As Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) continues to extend its metro rail network in Delhi NCR with the launch of Lajpat Nagar – Mayur Vihar Pocket-1 section of Pink Line (Line No. 7) on December 31, the Government of Japan remains committed to support the project financially.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has so far extended a cumulative total of 705,206 million Japanese Yen (approximately INR 45,000 Crores) in ODA (official development assistance) loans for the Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System Project since 1997.
The cumulative loan amount provided by JICA for Metro projects in India (including Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad Metro) exceeds 1.2 trillion Japanese Yen (approximately INR 76,000 Crores).
Speaking on the occasion, Takayoshi Tange, Senior Representative, JICA India said, “The newly inaugurated stretch, which will be a continuation of the presently operational Majlis Park – Lajpat Nagar section, will improve mobility for the commuters of the prominent areas like Ashram, Mayur Vihar etc. With the opening of this section, the Delhi Metro network will become 327 kilometres long with 236 Metro stations, and the increased density of the network together with the connectivity among lines are bringing travel experience to another stage. The Delhi Metro is increasingly growing into an essential infrastructure for Delhiites, and we hope ridership to further contribute to increase.”
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) is the executing agency of the Project.
Established by a specific law as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the JICA aims to promote international cooperation as the sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation.
JICA is the world’s largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in the form of loans, grants and technical cooperation, so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.
The objective of the Project is to mitigate traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, minimize road accidents and make travel smoother for the people in the National Capital region. This stretch, which will be a continuation of the presently operational Majlis Park – Lajpat Nagar section, will be ease travel for the commuters of prominent areas like Ashram, Mayur Vihar etc.
The flagging-off ceremony for the line opening to public was attended by Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister, Government of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, and Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India. The other key dignitaries including Takayoshi Tange, Senior Representative, JICA India also attended the function.
This section interchanges at Mayur Vihar-1. The facility of interchange of Metro trains between line 7 & line 3/4 is available through this station. The new Mayur Vihar-1 station is an engineering marvel as it has been constructed on a narrow road with only 13 metres of width.
Hazrat Nizamuddin Metro Station will be a major boost from the point of view of connectivity as both the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway station and the Sarai Kale Khan ISBT, as both railway stations didn’t have any Metro connectivity earlier. The nearest Metro stations were at least 3 to 4 kilometres away. The station will also be equipped with broad staircases and escalators for the convenience of the passengers. The famous Indraprasth Park and the upcoming Seven Wonders project will be at the walking distance from Hazrat Nizamuddin station.
